If you have been anywhere near social media lately, you have probably seen a lot of talk about safety pins. In the real world, you may even have spotted a few people wearing them. You may have even seen “Star Wars” fans talking about it — more on that later.
No, the safety pin is not a new fashion statement — it represents solidarity with people who say they have suffered racism, sexism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and homophobia, amongst other manifestations of bigotry in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential victory.
The idea for wearing a safety pin originated across the pond following Brexit. According to the BBC, instances of hate crimes increased after the U.K. voted to leave the European Union.
Also Read: 'Star Wars' Against Hate: 'Rogue One' Writers Get Political
Shortly after Trump’s victory, African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, Muslims, members of the LGBTQ community and women reported finding themselves in situations of intolerance. So much so that “Day 1 in Trump’s America” became a Twitter movement filled with collections of stories from people across the country sharing their accounts of harassment.
The Republican president-elect ran on a campaign that alienated many Muslims, women, African-Americans and immigrants. Although a small gesture, wearing the safety pin is an attempt to show those who feel scared that they can feel safe.
Also Read: 'Trump's America': Read Day 1 Accounts of Post-Election Bigotry
According to the Huffington Post, the movement was created by a woman with the Twitter handle @cheeahs who goes publicly only by the first name Allison.
“It’s simple because you don’t have to go out and buy it, there’s no language or political slogans involved,” she told Huffington Post.
Even two “Rogue One” writers have joined in on the movement.
The writers who worked on “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” jumped into the political fray on Friday with not-so subtle anti-Donald Trump messages.
“Please note that the Empire is a white supremacist (human) organization,” screenwriter Chris Weitz tweeted. Gary Whitta, who also worked on the film, followed up by adding, “Opposed by a multi-cultural group led by brave women.”
Both writers also changed their Twitter profile pictures to the symbol of the Rebel Alliance with a safety pin through it.
11 Accounts of Overt Racism From 'Day 1 in Trump's America' (Photos)
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